The Americans Review: Like A Darker Version Of Alias

It's almost a given that The Americans would be compared to Homeland, but for me, FX's new series is reminiscent of another spy show I couldn't get enough of: Alias (albeit way, way darker). There's something similar and oddly comforting about Jennifer Garner and Keri Russell; they both made their marks on J.J. Abrams shows and, from afar, seem like the last two actresses who should be cast as spies -- but when you see them in action, their portrayals are overwhelmingly convincing.

If you saw Mission: Impossible 3 (another Abrams project), then you know in her precious few minutes on-screen, Russell's got some fight in her. And she proves it once again in The Americans. It's been a while since Felicity left the airwaves but she's back and more intense than ever. Russell and Matthew Rhys (Brothers and Sisters) play Elizabeth and Phillip Jennings, a seemingly golden, all-American couple with two children, living the dream in a beautiful home in the Washington D.C. suburbs. In actuality, Liz and Phil are Russian agents posing as American citizens during the Cold War-era '80s. So, needless to say, this is not a grown-up version of The Carrie Diaries.

We see through flashbacks just how Elizabeth and Phillip have come to be, having trained for their mission for years before moving to the U.S. in 1965. As far as everyone is concerned, they work as travel agents and their son and daughter have no idea their parents are Russian, much less undercover KGB agents. We also learn that Phillip has become accustomed to his American lifestyle and would be more than happy to betray his country for money and to maintain the family he has grown to love -- but Elizabeth, not so much. Her devotion to the motherland is hard-core and says as much to her husband, but she also hints at it when discussing her son's homework.

So The Americans isn't just a spy drama; it's also a bit of a love story. Sure, it seems like a coupling of convenience, but who knows what the future holds for Phillip and Elizabeth. By the end of the premiere, they no longer seem like two people in an all-business arranged marriage and we see they have genuine feelings for each other.

But where's the fun in that -- two sleeper agents secretly living their life with no one the wiser? That's where Noah Emmerich (White Collar) comes in. The Jennings' new neighbour just happens to work for the FBI in the counterintelligence department, because, of course. It might be odd rooting for the enemy, but Russell and Rhys share amazing chemistry -- which makes their on-screen relationship that much more fascinating. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that the "good guy" is played by Emmerich, who is a master at the sleazy, "that guy" role.

Creator/executive producer/writer Joe Weisberg worked for the CIA before turning to writing, and gets help from exec producer Graham Yost (Justified) and writer/exec producer Joel Fields (Ugly Betty). While comparisons to Homeland and Alias are inevitable, The Americans manages to perfectly balance the slick espionage with the normal and ordinary, but makes it anything but.

Returns Sunday, January 6 at 9 p.m. EST and moves to regular timeslot on Monday, January 7 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC
What's Ahead: Jillian Michaels! She's back to help whip contestants into shape. Plus, for the first time, kids (ages 13-16) will be on the show along with 15 adult contestants.

Returns Sunday, January 6 at 9 p.m. EST on PBS
Where We Left Off: Bates was left to rot in jail, Matthew and Mary finally got together and the Dowager Countess was sassy.
What's Ahead: Americans! Shirley MacLaine guest stars as Martha, Cora's mother. She's very rich. Season 3 has already aired in the UK and one prominent character is saying goodbye to "Downton Abbey."

Monday, January 7 at 10 p.m. EST on NBC
Starring: Meagan Good, Laz Alonso, Tate Donovan and Victor Garber
What's It About: A wealthy socialite and party girl is found dead of an overdose, but something's fishy about her death. Enter FBI Agent Will Moreno (Alonso), who recruits his former partner Joanna Padget (Good), the deceased's former best friend. Joanna hides her true occupation and infiltrates the family she grew up around to find the truth about her friend's death.

Returns Tuesday, January 8 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC
What's Ahead: Betty White will entertain a ton of guest stars while introducing the elderly pranksters. Kim Kardashian, the ladies of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," Ed Asner and NeNe Leakes are among the names who will appear on the prank show.

Returns Tuesday, January 8 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC Family.
Where We Left Off: Toby is on the A Team, Garrett's dead, Aria's dad has some strange connection to Ali, Paige saved the day and Ezra's a dad ... and Alex Mack is his baby mama.
What's Ahead: Mona is released from Radley and is back at Rosewood High. Clearly, she'll be working with Toby, who the liars are still in the dark about. It's only a matter of time before Spencer learns the truth ... and starts to lose it. Dr. Sullivan will return, hopefully to prevent any breakdowns. Plus, we'll see more about what the hell Byron was doing with Ali the night she died.

Returns Tuesday, January 8 at 10 p.m. EST on TBS.
Where We Left Off: Jules and Grayson had a quickie beachfront wedding and rode off into the distance on horseback.
What's Ahead: For starters, it's on TBS! Everybody's favorite wine-guzzlin' crew will be joined by guest stars Alexndra Wentworth, Shirley Jones, Gillian Vigman, Tippi Herden and more.

Returns Tuesday, January 8 at 10 p.m. EST on FX.
Where We Left Off: In Season 3, Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) prevented carpetbagger/gangster Robert Quarles from establishing a criminal network in Harlan, but a pregnant Winona left the US Marshal and he found out his father shot a good man.
What's Ahead: Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins) will no doubt continue to be a thorn in Raylan's side.

Thursday, January 10 at 9:30 p.m. EST on NBC
Starring: Josh Gad, Bill Pullman, Jenna Elfman
What's It About: The Gilchrists are your typical American family ... they just so happen to be the first family of the United States. Gad stars as the hapless son of President Dale Gilchrist (Pullman) and stepson of Emily (Elfman).

Returns Sunday, January 13 at 9 p.m. EST on HBO.
Where We Left Off: Jessa bizarrely got married, Shoshanna slept with Ray, Hannah and Adam broke up and Marnie still misses Charlie.
What's Ahead: After months of criticism, Hannah makes a black friend (or more than a friend) -- and it's Donald Glover. Patrick Wilson will also play a love interest for Hannah later in the season and Shiri Appleby joins Season 2 as Adam's new girlfriend, much to Hannah's dismay. Elijah moves in with Hannah -- and starts to question his sexuality. Shoshanna is dealing with her post-sex relationship with Ray. Plus, Rita Wilson will stop by to play Marnie's mom and to help her shape up.

Returns Sunday, January 13 at 9 p.m. EST on Showtime.
Where We Left Off: Karen had her and Lip's baby and fled, prompting Lip to move back home and go back to school. Estefania and Marco were on the verge of breaking up and in happier news, Fiona passed her GED. ("Teen Mom's" Amber: Take note.)
What's Ahead: It's 137 days since we’ve last seen the Gallagher's. Jimmy has moved into the house with them and Fiona uses the family's money in desperation and the others aren't too pleased. Oh and (shocker) Frank's missing.

Returns Sunday, January 13 at 9:30 p.m. EST
Where We Left Off: Following her very public breakdown, Amy (Laura Dern) returned to work with a positive outlook ... only to start down the path of revenge after being laughed at by her coworkers.
What's Ahead: Will Amy return to the path of enlightenment?

Returns Sunday, January 13 at 10 p.m. EST on Showtime.
Where We Left Off: Did they or didn't they? Marty (Don Cheadle) and Jeannie (Kristen Bell) ended the season with a romp in the sheets ... maybe. They've gotten rid of the Rainmaker and stand triumphant.
What's Ahead: Galweather Stearn brings in a new CEO who's all about female power. Adam Brody returns to TV with a guest role.

Returns Sunday, January 13 at 10:30 p.m. EST on Showtime.
Where We Left Off: After Bates left Karen, Hank sees an opportunity. But when his ex Carrie returns and offers him an anti-depressant-laced drink, Hank loses consciousness just after seeing a vision of Karen, to whom he says, "I love you."
What's Ahead: Hank is penning a rock opera "about love conquering all" with Atticus Fetch (Tim Minchin), a coked up rock star. Maggie Grace has a nine-episode arc as infamous rock groupie Faith, who becomes involved with Hank, and in one episode, Grace's former "Lost" co-star Jorge Garcia will appear as an old contact from Faith's past. Season 6 will also see a guest appearance from Marilyn Manson.

Monday, January 14 at 8 p.m. EST on The CW
Starring: AnnaSophia Robb, Freema Agyeman, Chloe Bridges, Austin Butler and more.
What's It About: A prequel to "Sex and the City," the new CW series follows Carrie Bradshaw as a high schooler in the '80s. She's discovering her style, dating, dealing with the death of her mother and falling in love for the first time ... with Manhattan.

Returns Monday, January 14 at 10 p.m. EST on Syfy
Where We Left Off: Victory! But the darkness continues to grow in Bo (Anna Silk).
What's Ahead: Bo must make a deadly decision. Plus, tune in for guest star Linda Hamilton and recurring guest star Rachel Skarsten.

Returns Thursday, January 17 at 9 p.m. EST on FX.
Where We Left Off: After Charlie and Kate slept together, they were in a weird place with their relationship. And when Charlie's daughter Sam kissed a girl at school, a photo wound up on Facebook and Charlie and Jennifer questioned their daughter's sexual orientation.
What's Ahead: 70+ more episodes. And in Season 2, Charlie will blow up at his sister's baby shower and will question if his father Martin is developing Alzheimer's. Cee Lo Green will stop by as a version of himself, seeking Charlie's assistance under Hollywood pressure.

Returns Thursday, January 17 at 10 p.m. EST on FX.
Where We Left Off: The ISIS crew -- including Archer -- were held captive on the Space Station Horizon
What's Ahead: A "Bob's Burgers" crossover! H. Jon Benjamin provides the voice of both Archer and Bob.

Monday, January 21 at 9 p.m. EST on Fox
Starring: Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy, Shawn Ashmore, Natalie Zea, Annie Parisse
What's It About: Ryan Hardy's (Bacon) been out of the FBI game for a while, that is until his biggest catch, serial killer Joe Carroll (Purefoy) resurfaces ... along with a cult-like following ready to carry out his bidding.

Returns Tuesday, January 22 at 10 p.m. EST on USA
Where We Left Off: Peter (Tim DeKay) and Neal (Matt Bomer) stepped into the boxing ring to infiltrate a white collar boxing club. Neal discovered his father was still alive (and played by Treat Williams!)
What's Ahead: Peter and Neal search for the truth about Neal's dad and his crimes and Neal goes undercover with the Irish mob ... And hopefully, more boxing.

Returns Wednesday, January 28 at 9 p.m. EST on TNT.
Where We Left Off: Slaps, sex and secrets filled the first season of the new "Dallas." The season ended with John Ross (Josh Henderson) teaming up with J.R. (Larry Hagman) to destroy Christopher (Jesse Metcalfe) and Elena (Jordana Brewster).
What's Ahead: Familiar faces return and the Ewings say goodbye to J.R. after series star Larry Hagman passed away about half way into filming Season 2. Producers will incorporate his death into the story.

Wednesday, January 30 at 10 p.m. EST on FX.
Starring: Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Noah Emmerich
What's It About: Elizabeth (Russell) and Phillip (Rhys) Jennings are the perfect couple: They've got two kids and are living the life of every American in the '80s ... but they just so happen to be KGB spies posing as regular ol' US citizens.

Thursday, January 31at 10 p.m. EST on NBC
Starring: Steven Pasquale, Alana de la Garza, Phylicia Rashād, John Carroll Lynch
What's It About: A brilliant neurosurgeon (Pasquale) has a big secret: a very villainous dual personality. It's a modern-day Jekyll and Hyde story mixed with a medical drama.

Returns Monday, February 4 at 8:30 p.m. EST on CBS
Where We Left Off: Audrey (Megyn Price) was upstaged at her own baby shower by Brenda (Sara Rue). Meanwhile, Russell (David Spade) started to display creative talents after taking a break from women.
What's Ahead: Sitcom hijinks!

Returns Tuesday, February 5 at 9 p.m. EST on NBC and moves to its normal Tuesdays at 10 p.m. EST timeslot on February 12 on NBC
Where We Left Off: Karen (Katharine McPhee) wowed the crowd as Marilyn Monroe in previews of "Bombshell" in Boston.
What's Ahead: More Broadway drama! There's a new musical in town that could rival "Bombshell" for all the buzz. Plus guest stars Jennifer Hudson, Liza Minnelli, Sean Hayes, Jesse L. Martin and more.

Returns Tuesday, February 5 at 10 p.m. EST on ABC
Where We Left Off: Peter (Nicholas Bishop) saved Megan (Dana Delany) from a serial killer, but was stabbed in the process.
What's Ahead: New blood! Bishop, John Carroll Lynch and Sonja Sohn are out and Mark Valley is in.

Returns Thursday, February 7 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC
Where We Left Off: Evil Abed, "lawsuits" and sandwich shops filled the "Community" Season 3 finale that aired what feels like 30 years ago.
What's Ahead: Six seasons and a movie. Just kidding, although that'd be cool (cool cool cool). Malcolm McDowell, Tricia Helfer, Jason Alexander and more will drop by for some Human Beings antics. Plus, Chevy Chase will depart the show.

Returns Friday, February 8 at 8 p.m. EST on Fox
Where We Left Off: Martin (Kiefer Sutherland) and Jake (David Mazouz) fled to California and met up with Lucy (Maria Bello).
What's Ahead: Martin (Sutherland) and Jake (David Mazouz) soak up the Los Angeles sun ... and find themselves in the middle of a "global conspiracy."

Thursday, February 14 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC
Starring: Anthony Edwards, Carmen Ejogo, Scott Michael Foster, Addison Timlin, Jacinda Barrett and Michael Nyqvist
What's It About: Think "National Treasure" and "Da Vinci's Code," but on TV and starring Dr. Greene from "ER." Edwards plays Hank Galliston, the publisher of Modern Skeptic Magazine. When his wife is abducted, Hank and his pals are joined by the FBI as they attempt to crack various conspiracies and get his wife back.

Tuesday, February 19 at 9 p.m. EST on The CW
Starring: Matt Davis, Alona Tal, Jessica Lucas, Robert Knepper
What's It About: Matt Davis stars as Jeff, a journalist who investigates his brother's disappearance and his involvement with a group of obsessive fans who have formed a pseudo-cult around a TV series ... about a cult.

Premieres Tuesday, February 26 at 10 p.m. EST. Special showing on Tuesday, March 5 at 10 p.m. EST before moving to its regular Fridays at 9 p.m. EST time period on March 8 on CBS
Starring: Theo James, Chi McBride, Kevin Alejandro, Bonnie Somerville
What's It About: The series charts the rise of Walter William Clark Jr. (James), a beat cop who quickly moves up the ranks of the NYPD before becoming commissioner.

Returns Wednesday, February 27 at 10 p.m. EST
Where We Left Off: Henry (Corbin Bernsen) got back into the detective game with the help of Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dule Hill). But the case ended with a bang as Henry was shot by a former friend.
What's Ahead: Parminder Nagra joins the cast as a love interest of Gus. Plus, the long-awaited musical episode airs! Look for episodes inspired by "Clue" and "The Blair Witch Project" and for guest stars Jeffrey Tambor and Anthony Michael Hall, as well.

Sunday, March 3, 9:00 p.m. EST and moves to its regular timeslot on Sunday, March 10, 10:00 p.m. EST on ABC
Starring: Radha Mitchell, Goran Visnjic, Clifton Collins, Jr., Sterling Beaumon
What's It About: Marta Walraven (Mitchell)'s husband Evan supports the family by exporting weed and is involved in the world of organized crime with Bratva, Russian gangsters. After Evan's murder, Marta seeks to protect her kids, but gets tangled in the seedy underworld.

Returns Friday, March 8 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC
What's Ahead: Mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos return to the show with new host Louise Roe as 13 new contestants compete for the chance to launch their own clothing line.

Returns Sunday, March 31 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO
Where We Left Off: War came. Read Maureen Ryan's recap for more.
What's Ahead: Tons of new cast members played by the likes of Diana Rigg, Iwan Rheon, Mackenzie Crook, Clive Russell and many more. Season 3 will be about half of George R.R. Martin's "A Storm of Swords," one of the series' most beloved books.

Wednesday, April 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Starring: Sarah Chalke, Elizabeth Perkins, Brad Garrett
What's It About: Polly (Chalke) is a recently divorced single mom. Since the divorce, Polly's been having some struggles and decides to move back in with her eccentric parents, Elaine (Perkins) and Max (Garrett). Hijinks ensue.

Wednesday, May 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Starring: Kyle Bornheimer, J.K. Simmons, Leah Remini
What's It About: After Tony (Simmons) suffers a heart attack, he's forced to hand over the family handyman business to his bumbling son Jack (Bornheimer).

TBA on Fox
Starring: Becki Newton, Scott Foley, T.J. Miller
What's It About: Three estranged siblings reunite after the death of their father and unexpectedly find themselves heirs to a $20 million fortune ... if they adhere to their dad's wishes.

TBA on NBC
Starring: Anne Heche, Michael Landes and Alexandra Breckenridge.
What's It About: Anne Heche stars as Beth, a woman whose life -- and marriage -- is falling apart. However, after a new-death experience, Beth claims God starts speaking to her and sets her on a new life path.